
07/24/2025
In Sanskrit, Sutra 1.2 reads “Yogas chitta vritti nirodah.” Each word is heavy with meaning.
“yoga” is the essential union or Oneness of the individual with Self. It can be used to mean mental concentration, effort, practice leading to the state of Yoga (spiritual disciplines)
“Chitta” means to perceive, know, observe. It is the mind in it’s totality: conscious, subconscious, and unconscious
“Vritti” means to revolve, turn, whirl. It refers to the whirling of the mind and its thoughts.
“Nirodhah” translates as restraint or restriction.
This sutra speaks of the cessation of the mind’s tornado of thoughts, by discernment of what is the mind and what is the True Self. The chittas (thoughts) create an illusion of the reality in front of us, where the mind perceives this life in its own way. Practicing nirodhah allows us to pause, and discern between the mind-stuff, so we may see clearly, free of any false narratives. 😌🙏
Interested in beginning or deepening your yoga practice? Join us at Gopi Yoga Center in Warren, NJ for all your yoga needs🥰🙏 Our 200 Hr teacher training begins this October, more info linked in our bio!!